Access Node L2VPN Service Advertisement Without Core Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Executing a full core network protocol on access nodes is hindered by limited CPU and memory resources, scalability issues, and compatibility with newer protocols, especially when a large number of access nodes need to operate as core network elements, and older hardware may not support newer protocols like Mac-in-Mac encapsulation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for advertising and interoperating Layer 2 VPN services from access nodes to core network nodes using routing protocols like ISIS, where access nodes establish adjacency with core nodes without performing full core network encapsulation, and core nodes handle Mac-in-Mac encapsulation, allowing for efficient communication and resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If access nodes execute full core network protocol suite, then L2VPN service origination at access nodes is enabled, but control plane scalability deteriorates and resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into access nodes and core network nodes with distinct functional roles. Access nodes perform only service advertisement and traffic forwarding, while core network nodes handle full protocol execution and topology computation. This segmentation allows access nodes to operate with simplified protocols, improving control plane scalability while maintaining L2VPN service origination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces core network nodes as intermediaries between access nodes and the rest of the core network. Core nodes execute the full SPBm protocol suite and perform Mac-in-Mac encapsulation, acting as mediators that enable access nodes to provide L2VPN services without needing to handle complex core network protocols directly. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by offloading complexity to dedicated core nodes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If access nodes execute full core network protocol suite, then L2VPN service origination is enabled, but CPU and memory resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides protocol execution responsibilities between access nodes and core network nodes. Access nodes only execute simplified service advertisement functions, while core network nodes handle the resource-intensive full SPBm protocol suite. This segmentation reduces CPU and memory resource consumption at access nodes while preserving L2VPN service origination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows access nodes to use simpler, less resource-intensive protocol implementations suitable for their specific function of service advertisement. Rather than requiring expensive, resource-heavy full protocol suites at every access node, the system uses lightweight access-mode protocols that consume fewer CPU and memory resources while achieving the same service origination goal through core node mediation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each access node operates as core network element, then L2VPN services can be provided, but number of unicast and multicast trees increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the L2VPN service provision capability of multiple access nodes through a single core network node. Instead of each access node independently maintaining unicast and multicast trees, the core network node consolidates these functions, performing topology computations and tree maintenance centrally. This merging reduces the overall number of trees while preserving service provision capability across all access nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
Core network nodes act as intermediaries that consolidate unicast and multicast tree management. Rather than having numerous trees originating from each access node, the core network node serves as a single point of tree computation and management, reducing the total number of trees required while maintaining L2VPN service provision capability across the network.
4Ease of manufacture
If older access node hardware is used, then hardware cost is reduced, but compatibility with newer core network protocols deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments protocol compatibility requirements between access nodes and core network nodes. Access nodes use simplified access-mode protocols that are compatible with older hardware, while core network nodes implement the full SPBm protocol suite including Mac-in-Mac encapsulation. This segmentation allows older access node hardware to be used without sacrificing protocol compatibility, as the compatibility burden is placed on the core network nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
Core network nodes serve as intermediaries that provide compatibility with newer core network protocols. They perform Mac-in-Mac encapsulation and handle protocol translation, allowing older access node hardware to interoperate with modern core network infrastructure. This intermediary approach resolves the compatibility issue without requiring hardware upgrades at access nodes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and computer readable medium for advertising and interoperating Layer 2 VPN services from an access node to a core network. The method can include executing, using one or more processors, a routing protocol on an access node to establish adjacency with a core network node in an access mode. The method can also include mapping, using the one or more processors, an access network Layer 2 service identifier to a core network service identifier. The method can further include advertising, using the one or more processors, a mapping for the L2VPN service to the core network node. The method can also include sending, using the one or more processors, network traffic from the access node to the core network node without core network encapsulation.